Remembrance Day

My Grandfather, James Johnston Greer, my mother's father, fought in World War One.  When he signed up he left at home a loving wife and four small children and shipped out to France to fight.  This shot was taken in 1918. 
He was one of the fortunate soldiers.  He came back to Canada and his family, more or less in one piece, and he sent back from Paris before he headed into the trenches,  some lovely, impractical souvenirs - a silk carriage cover. silk handkerchiefs embroidered and edged with french lace.  I still have them tucked away.

Family history is vague on just how many years he was gone.  I think they were all just so relieved that he came back.  So many young Canadian men from that first world war did not - over 60,000 according to records which is an astounding loss for what was then such a young country with a small population..

This is the day we remember them - the day the Armistice was signed - the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month , and this is the day we remember all the other wars and conflicts where our young bright people have paid such a high price to keep us safe and we march and we lay poppy wreaths in the snow and we read out their names so we won't forget and we pray for peace.